05/19/2017
Family History is not the doctor being nosey. It is very important in helping look into hereditary illnesses or possible inherited health issues. It is best to go as far back as Great Grand Parents. Recently my daughter went to the doctor and the doctor wanted a family history. I provided her with my health issues, and what I though was my mom’s issues but I did not know my dad’s issues or her father’s family issues. I cannot get my father’s family history because I do not have a relationship with that side of the family and they probably would not like to disclose any illness even if I am blood.
I did research her father’s family history and was able to get that. However, it was not until recently that I discovered my mother held to important illnesses from us for almost 20 years. I am not sure if it is just that generation or she just did not think that our doctors needed to know because of testing today. However, it is very important and can help prevent needless testing and suffering. So to be on the safe side the doctor did an DNA check for illness. This will be passed down to her kids etc.
I am not angry with my mother, I do not really know why she waited or if she just did not believe the doctor. But it makes a big difference in how my daughters doctors treat her. It also helps them to believe that she does have an illness and that there is a history of that illness.
Everyone should have a family tree but, what we need to do is do a medical family tree and keep it in file and pass it down. Having an illness is nothing to be ashamed of and sharing with your family that may be directly affected, may save their life. The older the generation or the position they hold in society may make it harder to get accurate information but press on and keep at it. Keep a medical family tree and update it yearly. Make sure all your doctors have a copy with current date. If you can get a copy of your relatives diagnoses for your file, please do so if they let you and never share their information with anyone other than the doctor. Look up HIPA regulations online to find out their rights and your rights.
